Woodland Park School District News
Dec. 16, 2022
Welcome to the Woodland Park School District e-Newsletter which is sent out weekly when school is in session. It serves as a glimpse of some of the wonderful things going on in our schools, as well as a point of reference for upcoming events.
Your Partner in Education,
Michele R. Pillari, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
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Congratulations!
Please join us in congratulating our 2022-2023 Governor’s Educator of the Year Winners!
Educator of the Year:
School 1 - Joann LaSala
Charles Olbon - Alyssa D'Amico
Beatrice Gilmore - Pamela Yesonosky
Memorial School - Katherine Elman
Services Professional of the Year:
School 1 - Tina Masefield
Charles Olbon - Jamie Partridge
Beatrice Gilmore - Charlene Nyenhuis
Memorial School - Nicole Espinosa
Joann LaSala – School 1 Teacher of the Year
Mrs. LaSala is a hard-working, dedicated professional who has a good rapport with her students and staff. She has created an atmosphere of happiness and makes learning fun in her classroom environment. She is often seen laughing and showing a love for learning with her students. Mrs. LaSala has a great sense of humor and will make you laugh.
Tina Masefield - School 1 Educational Services Professional of the Year
Mrs. Masefield exhibits a positive and professional working relationship with staff members, students, and families. She is always eager to increase her knowledge and professional growth. Ms. Masefield is often seen implementing techniques to help students grow and learn. She has a pleasant and friendly personality.
Alyssa D'Amico - Charles Olbon School Educator of the Year
First grade teacher Ms. D'Amico is an outstanding educator and colleague. She is helpful, kind, and collaborative. She is knowledgeable and passionate. She makes learning fun and accessible to her students. Her positive energy radiates in any room she is in.
Jamie Partridge - Charles Olbon School Educational Services Professional of the Year
School Behaviorist Ms. Partridge is an excellent educator and an asset to the school community. She goes above and beyond to support students with different behavioral needs and challenges. Ms. Partridge offers resources to staff and parents. She is knowledgeable, dedicated, and passionate.
Pamela Yesonosky – Beatrice Gilmore School Teacher of the Year
Ms. Yesenosky’s recommendation was from a colleague who began as her mentor and now feels inspired by her contributions. Ms. Yesenosky is a team player, always looking out for others and going the extra mile. During COVID, she led the charge in transitioning the school to Google Classroom, often creating Screencastify videos for the staff, students, and parents.
Ms. Yesenosky continues to be at the forefront of new initiatives and is involved now with memorializing the great work her team has been doing. In addition to being actively involved with the fourth grade team, Ms. Yesenosky was instrumental in reviving the middle school plays. As her colleague shared, “Pam’s musical and theatrical approach to instruction keeps students fully engaged and inspires me to remember the joy in teaching and in learning on a daily basis.”
Students regularly return to visit Ms. Yesenosky, a true indication of the impact she has had on the many lives she has touched.
Charlene Nyenhuis – Beatrice Gilmore School Educational Services Professional of the Year
Ms. Nyenhuis begins each and every day with a big smile, which remains on her face throughout the day. Ms. Nyenhuis puts the needs of her students first. She never hesitates to adjust her schedule to ensure their needs are met. She is patient and understanding. She understands the routines of the classrooms and steps up in the absence of the classroom teacher to ensure all students are on task and academically engaged. Ms. Nyenhuis’ love of working with and guiding students is also exemplified during her work in the after school-program. She is an example to be followed for all paraprofessionals.
Katherine Elman – Memorial School Teacher of the Year
Ms. Elman is one of the most caring and helpful individuals in Memorial Middle School. She has taught for over 10 years, five of which have been for Woodland Park. During her time here, she has made an impact on the lives of students both inside and outside of her classroom. She has experience working with a diverse population of students with various needs and abilities. As their teacher, Ms. Elman creates engaging and multi-sensory lessons, uses her knowledge of ABA therapy to create behavior plans, and differentiates to meet the needs of each child. Ms. Elman works closely with the families of her students to build a strong home-and-school relationship, and to help the child to the best of her ability. Ms. Elman is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of these students, not only in the academic setting but within the community as well.
Ms. Elman’s work does not stop at the end of the school day; she is extremely involved within our school community as an ambassador for students, parents, and fellow teachers. She is the first to volunteer her time and always goes above and beyond to make an impact. She truly cares about Memorial School and wants to help make our school a better place for students and staff.
Nicole Espinosa - Educational Services Professional of the Year
Ms. Espinosa is an exemplary speech therapist. She has worked in the Woodland Park School District for five years. Ms. Espinosa often provided therapy directly in the classroom as well as class trips in the community as determined by the student's needs. Ms. Espinosa not only works with students on their verbal communication but also on some students’ non-verbal communication through electronic communication devices.
Ms. Espinosa is patient, kind, and passionate about her work with her students. She is dedicated to meeting the needs of all of her students by teaching to their different learning styles, implementing hands-on lessons to engage her students, and incorporating her students’ interests within her lessons. Ms. Espinosa uses motivation systems such as a punch card for students to be able to earn rewards for working hard during their speech sessions.
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Beginner Band Showcase
The fifth grade beginner band at Beatrice Gilmore School, under the direction of music teacher Mr. Schaefer, held their first performance for their family and friends yesterday morning. The 80-student-strong group only began using these instruments two months ago. They showcased some basic skills, tones, and sounds, and played some beginner songs as well.
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Sounds of the Season
The Memorial Middle School sixth grade choir and seventh and eighth grade choir performed three times this week in the community. On Sunday, they had a performance sponsored by the Alfred Baumann Library in Municipal Chambers. On Monday, they visited the Summit Health building on McBride Avenue to sing for the Golden Years senior center. On Wednesday, they performed at the WP Boys & Girls Club for the Woodland Park Senior Club.
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Word Detectives
First grade students in Mrs. D’Amico and Mrs. Davidson’s first grade class at Charles Olbon School have been very busy becoming word detectives in training. During Reading Workshop, students have been going on a special mission each day that focuses on figuring out tricky words as they read. The first part of their missions has been completed successfully. Students were awarded their official "Word Detective" badges with the pledge of knowing that even though the missions can get harder, they will never give up on reading!
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Publishing Party
Authors in Ms. DiBona's third grade class at Beatrice Gilmore School celebrated this week with a class publishing party. The student's hard work and dedication was reflected in their amazing personal narrative pieces. These young authors proudly shared their final published writing work and signed autographs to showcase this significant milestone!
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Welcoming Sign
Ms. Tobia and Ms. Bonnie's PreK-4 class at School 1 began their study on signs. They created a welcome sign to hang in their classroom.
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Holiday Spirit
The students in Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Coffey's PreK-4 class at School 1 practiced patterns by using red and white beads to create candy canes to put on the holiday tree. The children love decorating the tree!
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Hard At Work
The Beatrice Gilmore School third and fifth grade teams were hard at work last week analyzing data and planning common assessments.
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Outgoing BOE Members Saluted
Board of Education trustees Christine Tiseo and Adam Chaabane were saluted by Dr. Pillari and the Board at Monday night's meeting for their years of dedication and commitment to the District. They were thanked for their time and efforts for all that they have done for our schools and students. Mrs. Tiseo's term officially ends on Dec. 31. Mr. Chaabane vacated his seat early in May to fill an open Borough Council seat.
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Coming up at the Alfred Baumann Library:
The Alfred Baumann Library will host the following programs. Visit the Library's website here or Facebook page here. Its phone is 973-345-8120. Email is library@abwplibrary.org.
Saturday, Dec. 17, 12:30 p.m. - A Very Steamy Winter for grades 3 to 8. Each month, explore different aspects of science, art, engineering, technology, and more. This month, join in for "The Storms Have Eyes" where we will be learning about the science behind hurricanes. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. - Bouncing Babies story time program for ages one to 23 months and a caregiver. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. - Weigh To Go no judgment weight loss sharing group. Share stories, tips, and struggles, or just listen. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 19, 11 a.m. - Yoga & Meditation. Let your problems go and relax with us in the Community Room in Borough Hall. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 19, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Registration is strongly suggested. Register here.
Monday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m. - Dungeons & Dragons for sixth to 12th grade. New and experienced players are welcome. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m. - Adult Holiday Crafternoon. Come and create a gingerbread surprise to take home. Register here
Tuesday, Dec. 20, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m. - Snails & Tales for ages 2 and up. Join in for stories, songs, crafts, and more. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m. - Unwind With Pat. Join in to work on a craft of your choice. Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m. - Homework Helpers. Join AP math and English students from Passaic Valley High School for math, science, and English test review, homework, and tutoring help. Register here.
Tuesday, Dec. 27, 6:30 p.m. - Pajama Story Time. Join Miss Sara for a bedtime story time. Pajamas are encouraged! Register here.
Thursday, Dec. 29, 6:30 p.m. - Spice of the Month Club. Expand your palate! Each month receive a packet with a new spice, recipe, and history of the spice. Then, join the meeting to discuss your findings. Register here.
Friday, Dec. 30, 11 a.m. - Noon Year's Eve for all ages. Practice ringing in the new year at this special celebration. Play games, make crafts, enjoy a story, and countdown to noon with a balloon drop. Register here.
Saturday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m. - Lego Mania for all ages. Register here.